{"title":"Modern Management of Fournier's Gangrene.","authors":"Kyle J Kopechek, Hiren V Patel, George E Koch","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01275-3","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11934-025-01275-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>This review explores new evidence in Fournier's Gangrene management, emphasizing survivorship. We highlight the shift toward skin-sparing debridement techniques, new reconstructive strategies, and highlight limited evidence on outcomes. Additionally, we examine recent evidence on diagnosis, antimicrobial therapy, adjunctive treatments, and post-operative wound care.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>New evidence supports the feasibility of skin-sparing debridement, reducing the need for extensive reconstruction while improving primary closure rates and lowering healthcare costs. Advances in reconstructive techniques accelerate wound healing and shorten hospital stays. Optimized wound management-integrating antimicrobial solutions, negative pressure therapy, and targeted antibiotics-continues to improve recovery while minimizing morbidity and mortality. Modern Fournier's management prioritizes early recognition, tissue preservation, and early genital reconstruction. Despite advancements, gaps remain in early diagnosis and long-term outcomes after the index admission. Further research on post-reconstruction recovery is essential to refine treatment protocols and determine quality of life for affected patients.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"47"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-06-02","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12130067/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144198455","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Raeesa Islam, Shrijal Desai, Melissa Moran, David M Golombos
{"title":"The Role of PSMA PET Imaging in Prostate Cancer: Current Applications and Future Directions.","authors":"Raeesa Islam, Shrijal Desai, Melissa Moran, David M Golombos","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01268-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11934-025-01268-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Prostate-specific membrane antigen (PSMA)-targeted positron emission tomography (PET) imaging has revolutionized prostate cancer detection and management. This review aims to evaluate the latest advancements in PSMA PET imaging, assess its clinical applications in various disease stages, and compare it to conventional imaging techniques. We sought to determine how PSMA PET impacts clinical decision-making, treatment strategies, and patient outcomes, with a focus on its expanding role in precision oncology.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Recent studies have demonstrated that PSMA PET exhibits superior sensitivity and specificity in detecting prostate cancer metastases, particularly in cases of biochemical recurrence and early-stage disease. The advent of radiolabeled PSMA ligands, such as 68Ga-PSMA-11 and 18 F-DCFPyL, has led to improved diagnostic accuracy. Furthermore, PSMA-targeted radioligand therapies (e.g., 177Lu-PSMA-617) show promising results in metastatic castration-resistant prostate cancer (mCRPC), offering a novel therapeutic avenue. Studies have also highlighted the role of PSMA PET in refining treatment plans, including guiding surgery and radiotherapy. PSMA PET imaging represents a paradigm shift in prostate cancer diagnostics, staging, and treatment monitoring. It has led to earlier and more accurate detection of metastases, significantly altering management strategies. The growing body of evidence supports its integration into standard-of-care protocols, with ongoing research focusing on optimizing its therapeutic applications. Future studies should explore cost-effectiveness, accessibility, and potential synergies with emerging systemic therapies to further enhance patient outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"46"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-31","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12126340/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144191626","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Rasheed A M Thompson, Yash B Shah, Francisco Aguirre, Courtney Stewart, Costas D Lallas, Mihir S Shah
{"title":"Artificial Intelligence Use in Medical Education: Best Practices and Future Directions.","authors":"Rasheed A M Thompson, Yash B Shah, Francisco Aguirre, Courtney Stewart, Costas D Lallas, Mihir S Shah","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01277-1","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11934-025-01277-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purposeof review: </strong>This review examines the various ways artificial intelligence (AI) has been utilized in medical education (MedEd)and presents ideas that will ethically and effectively leverage AI in enhancing the learning experience of medical trainees.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>AI has improved accessibility to learning material in a manner that engages the wider population. It has utility as a reference tool and can assist academic writing by generating outlines, summaries and identifying relevant reference articles. As AI is increasingly integrated into MedEd and practice, its regulation should become a priority to prevent drawbacks to the education of trainees. By involving physicians in AI design and development, we can best preserve the integrity, quality, and clinical relevance of AI-generated content. In adopting the best practices for AI use, we can maximize its benefits while preserving the ethical standards of MedEd with the goal of improving learning outcomes.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"45"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-29","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12122599/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144173041","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Multiomics in Renal Cell Carcinoma: Current Landscape and Future Directions for Precision Medicine.","authors":"Filippo Gavi, Maria Chiara Sighinolfi, Giuseppe Pallotta, Simone Assumma, Enrico Panio, Daniele Fettucciari, Antonio Silvestri, Pierluigi Russo, Riccardo Bientinesi, Nazario Foschi, Filippo Turri, Umberto Carbonara, Chiara Ciccarese, Roberto Iacovelli, Camilla Nero, Bernardo Rocco","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01276-2","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11934-025-01276-2","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Renal cell carcinoma (RCC) is a prevalent and increasingly diagnosed malignancy associated with high mortality and recurrence rates. Traditional diagnostic and therapeutic approaches have limitations due to the disease's molecular heterogeneity. This review aims to explore how the integration of omics sciences-genomics, transcriptomics, proteomics, and metabolomics-can enhance the diagnosis, prognosis, and treatment of RCC.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Genomic analyses have uncovered critical mutations, including VHL, PBRM1, and BAP1, which support improved risk stratification and the development of targeted therapies. Transcriptomic and spatial transcriptomic studies have provided deeper insights into RCC heterogeneity and tumor microenvironment dynamics. Proteomic investigations have revealed potential biomarkers, while metabolomic approaches have highlighted RCC-specific metabolic shifts. Despite these advancements, several challenges persist, including intratumoral heterogeneity, difficulties in multi-omics data integration, and the limited clinical validation of biomarkers. Omics-driven approaches hold significant promise for advancing precision medicine in RCC. These technologies can facilitate earlier diagnosis, guide individualized therapies, and enhance prognostic evaluations. Future research must focus on validating multi-omic biomarkers and leveraging artificial intelligence to manage complex datasets, thereby supporting more informed clinical decision-making and personalized treatment strategies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"44"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-26","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12106551/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144141564","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Poojha Prabahara Sundar, Juan Luis Garcia, Natalia Iding, Shannon Cannon
{"title":"Support for the Struggling Learner in Urology.","authors":"Poojha Prabahara Sundar, Juan Luis Garcia, Natalia Iding, Shannon Cannon","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01274-4","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11934-025-01274-4","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Supporting struggling urology residents is an important yet challenging task. We describe strategies to assess resident performance, challenges in the clinical learning environment that contribute to resident remediation, and support mechanisms. This review highlights existing resources for positive outcomes in remediation and promotes exploration of innovative strategies to support future urology residents.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Burnout is associated with poor resident performance. Factors that promote burnout include unsatisfactory work-life balance, education or financial debt, access to mental health care, and identifying as a member of an underrepresented group. Competency-based assessment and tailored educational interventions can effectively address the needs of a struggling learner. Efforts to create standardized language, specialty-specific remediation programs, and robust mentorship infrastructure have been successful in other specialties. Study of interventions and outcomes for struggling urology residents is somewhat limited; deeper understanding of prevailing remediations practices and individual needs of struggling residents will be critical to develop more robust support for trainees.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"42"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12085312/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085941","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Nicolas Siron, David C Dalton, Marcelino Rivera, T Max Shelton
{"title":"The Utility of Tranexamic Acid in Endoscopic Surgeries for Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia.","authors":"Nicolas Siron, David C Dalton, Marcelino Rivera, T Max Shelton","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01271-7","DOIUrl":"10.1007/s11934-025-01271-7","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Tranexamic acid (TXA) is an anti-fibrinolytic agent that prevents degradation of fibrin by blocking the ability of plasminogen to bind to fibrin and the proteolytic activity of plasmin. TXA has been proven to be useful in reducing bleeding complications in multiple types of surgery. In this article, we will review the current usage of TXA in endoscopic surgeries for benign prostatic hyperplasia (BPH).</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The use of TXA for endoscopic BPH surgeries has mainly been studied for transurethral resection of the prostate (TURP). In the clinical trials assessing the use of TXA and TURP, TXA demonstrated reduced intraoperative bleeding independent of administration route. However, this did not consistently translate to reduced hospitalization or catheterization times. Evidence for the use of TXA and holmium laser enucleation of the prostate (HoLEP) has begun to emerge, and to date limited benefit has been demonstrated. This result is likely due to the excellent innate hemostatic control associated with the procedure. However, further studies are required to validate these findings. With recent innovation in new types of endoscopic BPH surgeries, the benefit of TXA during other types of BPH procedures also require more study. Within the context of endoscopic surgeries for BPH, TXA appears to have the most benefit when performing TURP. More evidence is required to conclude on the benefit in other types of BPH surgery including HoLEP.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"43"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-17","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC12085388/pdf/","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144085943","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"OA","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Andrei D Cumpanas, Thao N Vu, Candices M Tran, Roshan M Patel
{"title":"Ureteral Wall Thickness Measurement and Spontaneous Stone Passage A Narrative Review.","authors":"Andrei D Cumpanas, Thao N Vu, Candices M Tran, Roshan M Patel","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01270-8","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-025-01270-8","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>There is a high number of acute renal colic cases that present to the emergency department, and it is crucial to have reliable parameters that can accurately predict the likelihood of spontaneous stone passage. In this narrative review, we examined the latest data from the literature regarding the relationship between ureteral wall thickness and the probability of spontaneous stone passage.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>The thickness of a normal ureteral wall ranges between 0.95 and 2 mm, with an increase in thickness observed with advancing age. Current data suggests that thinner ureteral wall thickness may favor the spontaneous stone passage. However, the discrepancy between data from the literature is mainly caused by the small study cohorts, heterogeneous protocols, and the intra- and interobserver variability in evaluating non-contrast computed tomography results. There remains a need to better understand the mechanisms behind stone expulsion, as current models rely on oversimplified assumptions about the ureter's biomechanical properties.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"41"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-16","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144076712","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Daniel A Sidhom, Ashorne K Mahenthiran, Chandru P Sundaram
{"title":"Strategies for Resolving Conflict Among Residents in Urology.","authors":"Daniel A Sidhom, Ashorne K Mahenthiran, Chandru P Sundaram","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01267-3","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-025-01267-3","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Conflict is inevitable in any setting where individuals must work towards a common goal. In the context of a surgical residency, there exists several etiologies through which conflict can emerge and be exacerbated. It is important to understand how best to resolve these issues as collaboration is essential among residents, faculty, and hospital staff to achieve the best patient outcomes and resident training.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>There exists many strategies for conflict resolution such as the Thomas Kilmann Conflict Model, Levine 7-Step Model, or AIDET communication framework. Many of these emphasize the importance of understanding the role of perspective for those involved in conflict. Our review provides background to these tools and their applications in resolving conflicts. In this review, we highlight sources of resident conflict, and models of resolution that can be employed. Furthermore, we provide applications of how conflict resolution strategies can directly address common problems encountered within surgical residencies.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"40"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-09","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143990286","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
{"title":"Urology Interest Groups and Surgical Skills Sessions - Increasing Medical Student Interest in Urology.","authors":"Dagmawi Misgano, Kevin L Ma, Belinda Li","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01269-1","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-025-01269-1","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>A urology curriculum is not often a standard component of undergraduate medical education in the United States. As a means to build interest among students, Urology Interest Groups and surgical skills sessions are specific resources available that can connect students with mentors and offer an introduction to the field.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Mandatory preclinical and clinical exposure to Urology in medical school is associated with higher numbers of students entering the field. Student-led efforts such as interest groups and surgical skills sessions can have the same effect, while also creating opportunities for finding mentorship, professional development, and clinical exposure. Medical student access to urology interest groups and surgical skills sessions are important for building specialty interest, especially during a time that a future workforce shortage may be growing.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"39"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-05-07","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"144062674","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}
Jose F Barandiaran Cornejo, L Thomas Chin, Michael Angelis
{"title":"From Carrel to Robotics: Renal Transplantation and the Evolution of its Surgical Technique.","authors":"Jose F Barandiaran Cornejo, L Thomas Chin, Michael Angelis","doi":"10.1007/s11934-025-01265-5","DOIUrl":"https://doi.org/10.1007/s11934-025-01265-5","url":null,"abstract":"<p><strong>Purpose of review: </strong>Renal transplantation has become the standard of care for patients with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) due to significant advancements across various medical and surgical fields. This review highlights the evolution of renal transplantation techniques, while also exploring the latest tools and practices that promise to further improve their outcomes.</p><p><strong>Recent findings: </strong>Since the first successful renal transplant, numerous innovations have been implemented in the various stages of renal graft implantation. These include improved techniques in vascular and urinary anastomoses, graft positioning, and the recent emergence of modern technologies such as robotics and artificial intelligence (AI) which have shown promise in enhancing surgical performance. The field of renal transplantation is continuously evolving. As new and more efficient technologies continue to emerge, these too will become the standard of care and training. It is essential for transplant surgeons to understand the key historical developments that have led to our current level of expertise, so we can make effective use of these tools in further advancing the field.</p>","PeriodicalId":11112,"journal":{"name":"Current Urology Reports","volume":"26 1","pages":"38"},"PeriodicalIF":2.5,"publicationDate":"2025-04-21","publicationTypes":"Journal Article","fieldsOfStudy":null,"isOpenAccess":false,"openAccessPdf":"","citationCount":null,"resultStr":null,"platform":"Semanticscholar","paperid":"143972281","PeriodicalName":null,"FirstCategoryId":null,"ListUrlMain":null,"RegionNum":2,"RegionCategory":"医学","ArticlePicture":[],"TitleCN":null,"AbstractTextCN":null,"PMCID":"","EPubDate":null,"PubModel":null,"JCR":null,"JCRName":null,"Score":null,"Total":0}